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I like to eat regionally. I am always up for a culinary adventure. My blog on the Witch Doctor recounts such an adventure. Find it here: https://busymomswellness.com/2014/07/31/when-in-rome/ Luckily, another adventure came along, and it was a blast!

I was in Houston Texas recently for a professional healthcare conference. Regional food, ingredients, and influences are experiences I gravitate toward, even when a trip is work related. Lucky for me that this trip across country was allowing such a culinary outing.

With its geographical proximity to Mexico, Houston cuisine is inspired by hispanic flavors. With that, tex-mex emerged as a culinary theme in this area of Texas. I couldn’t wait to dig in!

I have been to Mexico and had authentic food there. I am talking middle of the jungle freshly caught and prepared armadillo, to name one memorable meal in that country. Unfortunately many Mexican local restaurants in the United States just don’t thrill me. So naturally I was excited to be going to Houston where authentic mexican flavors inspire the food. Many folks in my office that had been to Houston were happy to offer me the name a local favorite-Pappasitos. It was a place that had 2 thumbs up from folks not only in our east coast office, but the Houston office as well. Say no more…I was all in.

When we arrived at the renowned restaurant, I warned my dining companions that I would be taking pictures of the food. (The dork in me always comes out when I dine with beautiful and authentic food). The place was busy, and it took a minute or two for us to get a table. When we did, I was ready to follow tradition.

It is de rigueur at this place to begin with a margarita. Being a midwestern girl, margaritas I was familiar with were typically a sweet bottled mass produced mix with tequila splashed in, and I was not a big fan. But what the heck..when in Rome…

The margarita that I had in Houston was like nothing I had tasted before, much to my delight. Obviously it was a drink made from scratch, not a bottled mix. The margarita was loaded with refreshing ice, tangy citrus flavors, and a good size piece of lime. It had a wonderful balance of sweet, tart, and tequila. Wow! Delicious!

Oh yeah. Mandatory at a tex mex place in Houston!

Moving on to the chips that are always on the table at mexican restaurants in this country, Pappasitos did not disappoint. The chips were warm and had very little salt on them. They were thin and pleasantly crispy. Several small dishes of salsa were placed on the table for us to enjoy. And enjoy we did! The salsa assortment was also fresh and fabulous.

Our dinner included flavorful rice that had flecks of chopped vegetables. It was firm to the bite and one of many accoutrements to the meal. We also had creamy delicious beans. Also offered were warm fresh tortillas, and tender juicy chicken. The food was piping hot and laden with spices that imparted Mexican essence, and a pleasant heat. The guacamole was chunky. It was fantastic. Dining regionally rocks!

Sauces, or salsas, placed on our table at Pappasitos. YUM!!

An amazing plate of food with Mexican inspired ingredients and flavors.